UDG holds informative sessions about online high school program in Los Angeles

Academic and administrative officials of the University of Guadalajara’s University Virtual System (UDG Virtual) and Upper Secondary Education System (SEMS) held a series of informative sessions from June 19-21 about the online high school program to be offered by the University of Guadalajara at Los Angeles starting in September 2010.

The sessions were held at Oldtimers Foundation (Huntington Park, California), Fundación Jalisco USA (Lynwood, California), Santa Ana Community College (Santa Ana, California) and Plaza Comunitaria Casa Guanajuato (Santa Ana, California). Participating on behalf of UDG Virtual were Rafael Franco Sapién (Coordinator of the Bachelor's Degree in Education) and Angélica Ponce Chávez (Academic Affairs Coordinator). Representing SEMS were Zeferino Aguayo Hernández (Director of Open and Distance Lifelong Learning) and Dr. Martín Miguel López García (Director of Administration and Academic Affairs).

The UDG representatives provided information about the administrative calendar and curriculum for the online high school program, which will be designed as an educational alternative for those interested in studying at the upper secondary level or getting a high school diploma but who cannot attend conventional classes due to family or personal responsibilities and/or their geographical location. They said that the high school distance program is aimed at a wide and diverse population who find it difficult to attend classes with fixed schedules and locations, regardless of their age.

Printed materials and interactive CDs in English and Spanish were made available to those attending the sessions. The specific requirements for online learning were outlined, and UDG representatives said that it is recommendable for students using this method to have basic reading comprehension abilities and logical-mathematical intelligence. They also stressed that self-managed learning requires the attitudes and initiative associated with self-guided research, problem-solving and the capacity for self-regulation and self-evaluation. A mastery of basic computer and internet skills is also essential.